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How to Grow Florida Avocado from Seed

By Damien Campbell; Updated September 21, 2017

Avocado seeds are the large, hard pits found in the center of the fleshy avocado fruit. Several types of avocado trees are grown in the United States, but the West Indian varieties are the most common in Florida, according to the University of Florida. Avocado trees for commercial fruit production are grown from vegetative grafts because avocado seeds that germinate will not produce a tree with similar characteristics as the parent tree. However, growing an avocado tree from seed is an easy and rewarding process, and avocado trees make interesting houseplants when provided with proper care.

Wash the Florida West Indian seed off with warm water to remove any residual pulp.

Attach three toothpicks to the outside of the avocado seed, using a rubber band to hold them in place. Arrange the toothpicks evenly around the seed so that they form a tripod support for the seed.

Adjust the seed to ensure that the pointed end of the seed is facing upward.

Place the toothpick-surrounded seed into a glass cup and fill the cup with water so that the flat bottom of the seed is just touching the water.

Maintain the water in the glass cup so that it is always touching the base of the seed. After a few weeks, the seed should sprout and develop roots.

Place a general potting soil mix into a potting container -- you can start using any size of container for the seedling -- and transplant the avocado seed into the soil.

Maintain soil moisture with regular watering and place the plant in a bright, warm location in your home. You can grow avocado trees as a houseplant or transplant the tree outdoors when the weather is warm.

Things You Will Need

Avocado seed

Toothpicks

Rubber band

Large glass

Potting soil

Potting container

Tip

Florida or West Indian avocado trees are a sub-tropical race and highly sensitive to cold temperatures; the plants only grow outdoors along the Southernmost coasts of Florida.